Using GIS Spatial Analysis to Investigate Burial Complexities and Variation at Wadi Faynan 100, Jordan

Abstract

This research investigates the spatial and stylistic relationships between EBA Ib burials that were excavated during the 2019 and 2023 field season of the Barqa Landscape Project (BLP), located in Wadi Faynan, Jordan. Spatial analyses included Near analysis, Hot spot analysis, and Inverse weight distributed (IDW) analyses which were conducted through the use of ArcPro. Results showed an increased level of grave good variety present in the burials located on the southern hills of WF100. Emerging grave pairs (Graves 1 & 2, 4 & 5, 6 & 7, 8 & 9, and 10 & 11) were found to hold reciprocated proximity ranking. There was no apparent sign of hot or cold spot presence. Comparing the structures to one another and to external EBA Ib burial grounds, stylistic similarities between graves include external stone wall lining, flat floor stones, built in alcoves in the Northern end, and grave openings to the North while the burials run North - South. Similarities between Wadi Faynan 100 and other EBA Ib sites in the Southern Levant include grave orientation, flat floor stones and artifacts. Results conclude that the Wadi Faynan 100 burial ground displays a level of connection between graves, while also affording room for stylistic difference. While sharing stylistic components of other EBA Ib burial grounds found within the southern Levant, WF100 maintains its own individuality in terms of construction and patterns.